Under-18s stay undefeated with win in London

The Under-18 Girls travelled away to Newham Youngbloods looking to keep their unbeaten start to the 2016-2017 season going.

Ipswich again brought young Ella Pearson up from the under-16s to help bolster their bench while stating point guard Ashleigh Pink managed to make the trip albeit missing training during the week due to flu.

The girls raised to a 23-13 first quarter lead with Frances Musson being aggressive early on and getting to the basket for a number of points in the paint. Pink as ever looked to get her team mates involved throughout the game and finished the game with 8 assists, and displayed her array of passing throughout the first quarter.

Ipswich continued their good first half with Jess Baker and Jasmine Tebbitt connecting with a pair of three point shots to help finish the half up by 19.

Newham came out much more competitive in the second half and chipped away at Ipswich’s lead and brought it back to within 12 points by the end of the 3rd quarter before some fast break layups from Pink and Maya Price secured Ipswich the victory.

Price led the way with 23 points and 19 rebounds while Musson contributed 18 points and Pink with 14 points.

Coach Robinson though pleased with the win was quick to downplay the girls’ performance with a warning that improvements need to be made.

“I’m pleased with the victory but I thought the girls were very flat today. We started very well and were aggressive getting to the basket. As the game went on I feel the girls played down to the opponents’ tempo, and with that missed many opportunities to extend our lead. Though I never felt we’d lose the game we let Newham stick around for longer than we should have”

“They say a good team can find a way to win even when they are not at their best. I’m convinced this group of girls are a good team but I need them to believe that, and without a doubt we have to play much better than this if we are going to continue to win games”